Contraceptive Update: Contraceptive Pearls
(January 2003)

The "Contraceptive Pearls" offer answers to commonly asked questions about family planning. These "Pearls" were prepared by Dr. James D. Shelton, Senior Medical Scientist, Office of Population and Reproductive Health, United States Agency for International Development (USAID). They are reprinted with permission. To view archives of Jim Shelton's Pearls online, visit Jim Shelton's Pearls online

Single Dose Yuzpe Emergency Contraception?

Question: I found your last "Pearl" interesting. The fact that one double dose of 1.5 mg levonorgestrel is as effective for emergency contraception as the standard two 0.75 mg doses, taken 12 hours apart, will be helpful for our program. Does the same hold true for the combined progestin/estrogen (Yuzpe) approach.

Answer: No. The Yuzpe method was not so studied, so the two-dose, 12-hour spaced approach is still standard for the progestin/estrogen combination. Thus the study provides no improvement for programs that still rely on cut-up packages of combined OCs. Accordingly, the simplified schedule becomes another advantage of levonorgestrel alone over Yuzpe.

Four Approved New Methods

Question: The USFDA has approved four new methods of contraception within the last 18 months. How many can you name? 

Answer: Here's my list: 

1. A hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring - NuvaRing (Approved Oct 2001) 
2. A hormonal contraceptive patch - Evra (Approved Feb 2002) 
3. Lea's Shield vaginal barrier contraceptive (Approved Aug 2002) 
4. A fallopian tube (tiny) blocking device for transcervical sterilization - Essure (Approved Nov 2002) 

Also, honorable mention if you guessed the monthly injectable - Lunelle (Approved Oct 2000 - 28 months)

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